The generosity of a community member kept the hands of about 700 local children warm this winter.
Cheryl Miller, a local insurance agent, said she donated mittens to children in Koochiching County because it was worth the enjoyment it gave her.
“I love seeing the kids trying on mittens,” she said. “They get so excited over something so simple. We adults could sure learn from them... I love giving back to our community.”
The effort, dubbed “Choppers for Children,” started in 2012 when Miller partnered with a group of her friends before Icebox Days’ Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run to collect money to purchase mittens. The group dared each other to participate in the race while raising money for a good cause.
“Our customers heard me on the radio and started dropping off $50,” Miller said.
The first year, the group raised enough money to purchase about 200 mittens. The next year, teachers contacted her hoping to get more, Miller said.
The dare was long over, so Miller took on the project as a solo effort. She contacted a number of organizations that donated about $5,000.
“I bought from a Minnesota company,” she said. “I love it’s a Minnesota company and Minnesota wool.”
This year, Miller was able to collect enough money for 700 pairs. She said the wool mittens went to children in International Falls, Littlefork and Indus.
“I can’t say no to the kids,” she said. “I just love seeing their reactions.”
Others do, too.
Heather Kennedy, secretary at Littlefork-Big Falls School, said Miller’s efforts are appreciated by everyone.
“It’s a relief,” she said of kids having warm mittens. “We see a lot of kids come to school with holes in their gloves or no gloves at all. This way, they all have something warm to wear.”
This year, Miller was able to provide mittens to all L-BF students in preschool through third grade.
Miller said she and teachers decided the mittens would come in January when a lot of mittens have already been lost or ruined by their owners.
“Essentially, I provide them with their second pair of the winter,” Miller said. “I get so much help from people and businesses to make this possible... The response has been phenomenal.”
Now, she’s on a bigger, better mission. Miller will begin reaching out to businesses and people hoping to collect $10,000.
“That will give me purchasing power to buy quality mittens in a larger quantity,” she said. “I’d like to see all kids in all schools in our area get a new pair in January... It’s the Icebox of the Nation, our kids need warm clothing.”
